The 18 Best Things to Do in Nairobi

This wildlife trust is one of the most pioneering animal rehabilitation centres in the world. Young, orphaned elephants and rhinos – the victims of poaching and human-wildlife conflicts – are nurtured back to health here. To date, it’s become the proud mother of over 150 elephant calves. Between 11am and midday daily, visitors can watch the slurps and gurgles of young orphans being fed as their keepers skilfully administer their supersize feeding bottles. If you’re moved by this humble feat, adopt a young orphan elephant and follow its inspiring journey firsthand.

Which city can boast a fully-fledged safari park that houses the Big Five of African wildlife? Nairobi, of course. Located just over 15km (9.3mi) from the city centre, visitors are allowed to take their own car into a mass of highland greenery at a reasonable price. Nicknamed the “Kifaru Arc”, the park boasts the world’s biggest black rhino population. On weekends, the locals take full advantage of the unique range of picnic spots found within. Be sure to visit the Ivory Burning Monument – a national conservation site where former President Arap-Moi destroyed poached ivory in 1989.

Located 10 minutes from the city centre, Nairobi National Museum boasts a collection of rich, cultural artefacts that date back to the earliest prehistoric remains. Displayed are the incredible skeletal discoveries of homo habilis found by renowned archaeologists, Richard and Mary Leakey at Lake Turkana. There’s also an extensive collection of native bird species that will amuse any bird-lover. Join the Kenyan Museum Society every Wednesday morning for a guided bird walk – the museum reopened its doors in 2008, after extensive renovation and expansion efforts.

Get the chance to pet an endangered giraffe at this world-class nature education centre. Located in Langata – just whispers from Nairobi National Park – this centre is run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife. Standing atop a tall wooden platform, visitors can feed giraffes a tasty grub of pellet-shaped biscuits. Be prepared for a welcome dose of giraffe breath and the gentle lick of long, sandpaper tongues.

The hustle of Nairobi city life can be overwhelming, which is why the lush scenery of Karura Forest is the perfect escape. Early mornings are the best time of day to beat the hot African sun and the rowdy crowd. The forest sits upon a bed of one-million-year-old volcanic rock and houses a variety of indigenous animals – such as the big-eyed bush baby and handsome bushbuck. Walk or jog through the ancient Mau Mau caves – the remains of the Kenyan struggle for independence – or stop and take a selfie at the local waterfalls.

Made famous by the Oscar-winning film Out of Africa, the Karen Blixen Museum tells an eye-opening story of colonial Kenya. The museum is in fact the house in which Karen Blixen – acclaimed Danish author – lived and wrote her famed memoirs in Kenya between 1917-1931. Frequent visitors included the then Prince of Wales – of whom she entertained and dined – and English aristocrat and big-game hunter, Denys Finch Hatton, who she courted. Enjoy the splendid view of the surrounding hills and fauna as you explore the preserved belongings of this legendary author.

A Karoga is a Kenyan cookout that takes place in outdoor dining venues. Food can be ordered and cooked in a number of ways: diners can bring their own ingredients and equipment and cook at the venue or those not wanting the stress of cooking can order a la carte and have their food freshly prepared in front of them by the in-house chefs. The bottom line to these cookouts is to cook the food to the exacting tastes of the diners. Don’t miss out on this truly unique dining experience.

The all-year-round great weather in Nairobi means that there’s always time to enjoy the famous local beer, Tusker – where its USP is derived from its local heritage that incorporates barley sourced from the Maasai Mara, as well as local yeast and spring water from the Aberdare mountains. The best place to enjoy Tusker is no doubt by sitting in the vibrant gardens of the Fairview Hotel.

It’s hard to find consistently good cheese in Nairobi’s supermarkets – that is until Brown’s award-winning cheese came along in 1979. Everything from halloumi to Valençay is produced from the finest organic milk. Located just a half-hour from Nairobi, the factory neighbours the picturesque Rift Valley. Indulge in a tour of the factory coupled with a sumptuous offering of speciality cheeses and a variety of homemade bread and salads for lunch – this will, of course, delight cheese lovers.

From beaded masks and brass earrings to Maasai spears, shoppers are offered unique, handmade Kenyan crafts at this ever-popular curio market. Be prepared to haggle down prices with your best poker face – or else you’ll be paying an arm and leg for everything. Don’t forget to take a water bottle and empty rucksack to safeguard all your hard-bargained goodies.

As one of the tallest buildings in Kenya, the cylindrical Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) is the best place for a 360-degree panorama of Nairobi and its environs. The rooftop helipad is open to visitors, and offers unparallelled views of the central business district and beyond – even as far as Nairobi National Park. Recommended by Jean Wandimi.

Bomas (homesteads) of Kenya is a living museum that displays traditional villages of the many Kenyan tribes. The aim is to preserve, educate and promote the heritage of the varied ethnic groups of Kenya through cultural performance, artefacts and research. With live percussion and a repertoire of over 50 dances, the Bomas Harambee Dancers energetically showcase Kenya’s past and present. Recommended by Jean Wandimi.

The Ngong hills form a ridge in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, southwest of Nairobi. A walking trail winds across these hilltops, with the eastern slopes looking out over Nairobi National Park and the western ones dropping 1000m (3281ft) into the Rift Valley below. Visit the famous Ngong Hills wind farm and soak in some views. Recommended by Jean Wandimi.

Alan Donovan designed the African Heritage House, and within is displayed an exhibition of art, fabric, books and jewellery that tell the story of Africa. The house faces Nairobi National Park, and its structure was inspired by the mud palaces of Morocco and the Great Mosque of Djenné in Mali, as well as the Swahili architecture of the East African coast. Recommended by Jean Wandimi.

Kazuri bead factory started in 1975 as a small women-led workshop producing fine jewellery. Today, it hires over 300 skilled local women, and offers free tours to curious visitors. Kazuri means “small and beautiful” in Swahili, and the beads are just that: a charming, unique reflection of Kenyan culture. Don’t forget to visit the shop afterwards. Recommended by Jean Wandimi.

This rotating, open-air market can be found in different places across the city on different days of the week, and sells affordable souvenirs, paintings, curios, handcrafted jewellery, clothing and utensils. You can expect inflated prices as a tourist, so be prepared to respectfully haggle. Recommended by Jean Wandimi.

When you arrive at Kitengela, you’ll be greeted by incredible glass sculptures and mosaic ornaments adorning the entrance. Also present are the artisans who work to make glass into art and decor. There are activities, too, including horse riding, felting, swimming and mosaic classes. Recommended by Jean Wandimi.

Rolf’s Place is a cliff mansion in the southeast of Nairobi National Park. If you’re brave enough, walk the suspension bridge and be rewarded with views of Mount Kenya and the Ngong Hills. The nearby restaurant also has good food. Recommended by Jean Wandimi.